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October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween everybody!! We have been celebrating all weekend. Festivities began for us on Friday with a Halloween celebration at Aaron's office. Kids were invited to trick or treat the cubicles and about an hour before it began I realized I didn't have anything for this cute ladybug to gather treats in. So I rummaged through my supplies and found some felt that matched her costume perfectly and I whipped up a simple treat bag.

I sewed 2 rectangles together for the bag and then attached a handle on each side with a few stitches. The letters were traced, cut out, then adhered to the bag by needle felting. Felt is a fun material to work with and one I want to explore. Get inspired too by checking out my Felt Pinterest Board!

October 26, 2011

I don't know about you, but at our house we are already on a sugar high and it's not even Halloween yet. I bought one of those BIG bags of mini candy bars, like the $10.00 ones, and we have been snacking on them all week. So when I saw these at Disney Family Fun, I thought, "What a healthy, fun snack!" and I made some.

All you need is an apple, a paring knife, and some almond slivers.

Slice the apple into fourths.

Cut a wedge out of the skin side, slit holes in the flesh and stick "teeth" in! If you're not serving them right away, moisten with orange juice to keep them from browning.

October 25, 2011

As I mentioned a couple of months ago, I joined a book club! We met for the first time a few weeks ago and discussed Saving Cee Cee Honeycut by Beth Hoffman.It was so much fun to get out of the house and meet up with a bunch of women who also love to read! We enjoyed stimulating conversation and laughed a lot as we recounted the story of Cee Cee living through the death of her crazy mom and then getting rescued by her generous Aunt Tootie and all her female friends. While it wasn't my favorite book (not even close!), I did come to appreciate it more and even like it a little bit more as we talked about it.

So what does all this have to do with a book band for my polka dot notebook? Well, as I read books I like to slap a sticky note on passages and quotes that I really like. After I finish a book, I flip back through the book and type them up. Problem was that they weren't organized. Scattered in different folders and what not, they weren't accessible. So I decided I would transfer them to a notebook and record new ones as I read.

That way, they are all in one place. And I can go back and read through them with a flip of the page. I have quite enjoyed writing them all down and it has made me want to reread some of the books.

So here's the how to and used what?

I dug through my stash of fold over elastic and found a piece that matched, wrapped it around my book and cut it an inch smaller than that, sewed it together and hot glued a chip board letter over the seam. All in one breath. That quickly.

I like it because it is thin and it won't fall off! I can keep it securely attached while I am jotting down notes. And if I want to slip a piece of paper in between the cover and first page, it won't fall out.

And I decided to write it all in cursive. For fun. I almost always write in manuscript, so this is a nice change. Plus there is something really lovely about flowing, connected letters and it reminds me of my mom.

October 13, 2011

A couple of Christmas's ago we gave some money to a young couple to help with medical expenses associated with the treatment of the wife's breast cancer. It went into remission not long after. Last night I learned that it is back and the cancer has spread. I personally don't know this woman, but my heart breaks for her. She is young-in her 20's. She is a mom to 2 little ones. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through.

Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would help spread the word. I have been following The Project Queen for the past few weeks as she has posted something pink as well as a breast cancer fact every single day. Did you know that on average, 112 women die from breast cancer every day?! EVERY DAY! That is an alarming number! Early detection is key to fighting and beating this malicious disease. If you are a woman, (no matter your age) check your breasts regularly! And if you are 40 or over, it is recommended that you get a mammogram every 1-2 years. The most common signs of breast cancer are: a lump in the breast; abnormal thickening of the breast; or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Check them often, ladies!

In lieu of this special month, I made a little something. And it's pink:

In hopes that women everywhere will make breast exams a part of their preventative healthcare.

And that someday a cure will be found!

The Hope Scarf is such a simple design. The most beginner of beginning sewers can pull it off easily. I encourage you to make one and spread the word!

Materials:

-1/2 Yd Pink Jersey Knit Fabric

-Scissors

-Thread

-Sewing Machine

Step 1: Cut It

Cut your fabric in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Sew the 2 Pieces Together

With right sides together, pin 2 of the short ends to each other. Sew with 5/8" seam allowance.

Step 3: Adjust the Length

Try it on. Adjust the length to your liking with a few snips. I cut about 12 inches off mine. No need for finishing the raw edges because they won't fray!

If you don't sew, no sweat! You can still "make" one. Simply go the fabric store and get a 1/2 yard of jersey knit fabric and drape it stylishly around your neck. Same thing, but a little chunkier and just as cute!

Hugs to all you women out there fighting breast cancer. My hope and prayers are with you!

*update:

The Hope Scarf could be YOURS! I have whipped up another one and will be participating in One Artsy Momma's "Un-giveaway for the Cure", which is basically a silent auction. The scarf will be given to the commentor who bids the highest amount. All proceeds will go directly to The Susan G. Komen Foundation. Come back Wed, Oct. 19 for your chance at The Hope Scarf!

October 10, 2011

To make this bunting, I took a push pin and made a hole near the top of several candies. I then threaded a needle with regular thread and strung them on. (May cause a stomach ache if you are anything like me and you eat more than you string!)

October 6, 2011

To make some mummies of your own, gather the materials listed below and follow the 4 simple steps.

Materials:

-styrofoam balls (any size)

-1/4 yd muslin

-eyelets/brads

-tea bag

-spray bottle

-22 guage floral wire

-glue

Step 1: Prepare the Tea
Boil one cup of water in a small saucepan. Turn off heat and place tea bag in the water. Leave to cool. You will use this later to spray the mummy.

Step 2: Insert Eyes and Legs

Take a styrofoam ball and insert 2 eyelets or brads between the middle and top of the ball. For extra hold, dab them in a little glue before inserting. For the legs, cut 2 pieces of wire (however long you want the legs to be) and bend one end of each wire into an oval. Stick them into the bottom of the ball.

Step 3: Wrap It
Cut 3/8" wide strips of muslin and begin wrapping the ball until it is covered, going around the eyes and legs. Use glue to adhere the ends of the strips onto the ball.

Step 4: Spray the Mummy
Remove the tea bag and pour the tea into a spray bottle. Spray the mummy lightly and let dry 10-15 minutes. It will look spotty at first, just spray it again once it is dry. Repeat until desired color is achieved.

Have fun getting into the Halloween spirit by decorating with these cute and easy mummies!